The ability to shadow a player or shut down an opposing star seems to be gone in the new NHL. Where is the Esa Tikkanen of this generation.

Does anyone have any thoughts on why this is. I realize that there are still good defensive forwards but not to the extent it used to be. I remember Brett Hull being shut down. Watching Giroux made me think of this. Staal should have been on his hip all series.

Anyone else?

Guest4271 ( )

Posted - 04/23/2012 : 07:13:42

Steve Kasper was well regaurded as a top notch "shawdow" Wayne Gretzky said he was one of the best.

You mention Giroux, but . . . did you watch that series, and forget about Coutourier shadowing Malkin the entire series?

I thought that for a rookie - despite Malkin's point totals - he did an excellent job against the MVP of the league.

"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug

Guest6786 ( )

Posted - 04/23/2012 : 09:50:26

shadowing is tough to do with a team like Philly. sure Staal could have been all over Giroux like a fly on stink, but then you still have to worry about Briere, Hartnell, Jagr, etc.

it's a much better strategy when the majority of your offense revolves around one player, or one line. but when you have a well balanced attack like Philly does, it takes a total team defensive effort to shut them down.

Guest8384 ( )

Posted - 04/23/2012 : 10:21:14

Slozo I agree Couturier did a fantastic job on Malkin. I am sure there are a few teams from last years draft that are calling their scouts.

Before this year, the last I remember where someone was actually sent out to shut someone down was Zetterberg on Crosby in the finals. The shut down guy is usually not as good as Zetterberg mind you.

Slozo, i'd agree with Bolland on the Sedins, though it wasn't exactly shadowing like some of the other examples but the Bergeron one i don't recall as much. I think it had more to do with Chara in the offensive zone, his physicallity and huge reach!

Lemieux indeed was one of the best at pestering/shadowing as he was effective whilst being able to chip in offensively as well!